User reports describe the effects of 4-FMA as having characteristics of both traditional stimulants like amphetamine and entactogens like MDMA. Its effects have been described as subjectively lying between 4-FA and 2-FMA. It has been reported to be more likely to produce side effects like headaches and cardiovascular effects than similar substances.

Very little is known about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 4-FMA. 4-FMA use may produce dependence and abuse as well as damage to the brain and other organs. It is highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance.

Chemistry

4-Fluoromethamphetamine (4-FMA) is a synthetic molecule of the substituted amphetamine family. Molecules of this class contain a phenethylamine core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain with an additional methyl substitution at Rα. The term "amphetamine" is the contracted form of alpha-methylphenethylamine. 4-fluoromethamphetamine contains a fluorine atom at R4 of its phenyl ring and is therefore a fluorinated analogue of methamphetamine.

Pharmacology

Similar to its structural analog 4-FA, 4-Fluoromethamphetamine is thought to act as a releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, producing stimulating amphetamine-like effects at lower doses and more euphoric, entactogen effects similar to MDA at dosages above 125mg. [avoid opinion] Researchers have found some evidence that indicates some similarities between the "Serotonin Release" of 4-FMA and other popular empathogens such as: MDA, 4-Methylmethcathinone, and 4-fluoroamphetamine. [4].

The mechanism of action of 4-FMA effectively boosts the levels of the norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin neurotransmitters in higher doses in the brain by binding to and partially blocking the transporter proteins that normally clear these monoamines from the synaptic cleft. This allows dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin to accumulate within various regions of the brain, including its reward pathways, resulting in stimulating, euphoric and entactogenic effects.[5][6][7].

Subjective effects

In low doses, 4-FMA has been reported to be a lackluster nootropic for general productivity.[citation needed] Such usage would be strongly discouraged however, due to the increased risks for neurotoxicity and other dangerous side-effects. The reasoning for this warning is based on the studies showing that 4-FMA is similar to MDA, and belongs to the entactogen class. Using any entactogen frequently is considered dangerous, and it is seen as unwise to take "microdoses" below the minimum dose required to experience a "roll" with members of the entactogen class. At higher dosages, it is known to become dysfunctional and recreational due to the scattering quality of its euphoria and stimulation.[citation needed]

Similar to MDA, MDMA, 4-FA, and other substances that produce distinct pleasurable tactile "roll"-like sensations, which is typically linked to serotonin-releasing properties, 4-FMA has been reported to be able to produce similar entactogenic effects in addition to traditional stimulant ones. Some reports suggest it tends to come with more side effects and bodily strain than other fluorinated amphetamines, explaining its lack of popularity and availability.[8]

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWikicontributors. These effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances of inducing a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

Delusion - As with most potent stimulants, 4-FMA has been reported as having the capacity to produce delusional ideation. However, it is not clear if this occurs in a context unique to the effects of 4-FMA.

Ego inflation - Some users have reported that this component is distinct, although it is not clear how it compares to other substituted and non-substituted amphetamines.

Paranoia - As with most strong stimulants, 4-FMA has been reported to produce states of paranoia, although it is not clear to which extent this happens relative to other stimulants and under what conditions.

After effects

The effects which occur during the offset of a stimulant experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its peak. This is often referred to as a "comedown" and occurs because of neurotransmitter depletion. Its effects commonly include:

Toxicity and harm potential

Do not use 4-FMA if you have a history of heart-related issues or experience severe headache after its use. We have been made aware of a report released by Trimbos-instituut[9] and Nationaal Vergiftigingen Informatie Centrum[10] (NVIC), describing incidents of strokes after an increased use of the closely related analogue 4-FA, and there is no reason this does not apply to 4-FMA as well. In addition to the common amphetamine-like effects (agitation, anxiety, tachycardia, hypertension, chest pain et al.), serious cardio- and cerebrovascular complications have been reported, including rhythm (sinus arrhythmia, ventricular extrasystoles (bigeminy), conduction disturbances) and acute cardiac failure. Although a causal relationship has not been confirmed, when presented with a severe headache and lateralization after 4-FA usage, a medical evaluation at an emergency department should be conducted immediately. [11]

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 4-FMA use has not been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because 4-FMA has very little history of human usage. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying this drug at low to moderate doses by itself and using it sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed).

The LD50 (mouse; i.p.) of 4-FMA is unknown. While 4-FA does not cause long-lasting depletion of brain serotonin unlike MDMA or 4-FA's analogs 4-CA and 4-BA, it is unknown whether this also applies to 4-FMA as well.

4-FMA is reported to be particularly caustic in comparison to other compounds and can, therefore, cause chemical burns within the nasal passage and throat if it is insufflated.

Tolerance and addiction potential

As with other stimulants, the chronic use of 4-FMA can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.

Tolerance to many of the effects of 4-FMA develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). This is how long it takes to reduce the tolerance for the stimulating effects. Tolerance for the entactogenic effects may take a longer period to reduce. 4-FA presents cross-tolerance with all dopaminergicstimulants, meaning that after the consumption of 4-FMA all stimulants will have a reduced effect.

Psychosis

Abuse of compounds within the amphetamine chemical class at high dosages for prolonged periods of time can potentially result in a stimulant psychosis that may present with a variety of symptoms (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions).[12] A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely.[13][14] The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis.[15] Psychosis very rarely arises from therapeutic use.[16][17]

Dangerous interactions

Although many psychoactive substances are safe to use on their own, they can quickly become dangerous or even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The following lists some known dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. A combination that appears to be safe in low doses can still increase the risk of injury or death. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume.

MDMA - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with other amphetamines.

Alcohol - Alcohol can be dangerous to combine with stimulants due to the risk of accidental over-intoxication. Stimulants mask the sedative effects of alcohol, which is the main factor people use to assess their degree of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects of alcohol are left unopposed, which can result in blackouts and respiratory depression. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of alcohol per hour.

DXM - Combinations with DXM should be strictly avoided due to DXM's effects on serotonin and dopamine reuptake. This can lead to panic attacks, hypertensive crisis, or serotonin syndrome.

MXE - Combinations with MXE may dangerously elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of psychosis.

Tramadol - Tramadol lowers the seizure threshold.[18] Combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.